What happens when aerospace specialists develop a motorcycle with bionic algorithms instead of calculating spaceship engines? According to Airbus subsidiary APWorks, the result is “the world’s lightest motorcycle,” AKA the 77-pound Light Rider. 3D printed with the company’s own Scalmalloy material – which they describe as being a 3D printing-optimized, aircraft-grade aluminum with the strength of titanium – the electric motorcycle is powered by a 6 kW electric motor that’s both silent and emissions-free. The resulting power-to-weight ratio is similar to that of a supercar, even if the result is more of a souped-up e-bike rather than a high-performance motorcycle. Says lead engineer Stefanus Stahl: “With the Light Rider, we are…

Designed to allow devices to be customized for an individual’s own style and functional needs, Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone has been one of the more compelling pieces of hardware kit announced within the past few years. The platform, which allows users to swap out hardware components including high-resolution cameras, loudspeakers, different battery sizes and a growing list of other functions, has been largely kept under wraps since it was announced in 2014. Now, it looks like early adopters will be able to have the phone in their hands as early as this Fall before the revolutionary new take on the smartphone hits the consumer market in 2017. While the…

Mondays might not be your favorite day of the week, but the good news is that we’re all in this together ladies and gentlemen. As purveyors of prime Grade A web content, the SolidSmack crew has done some of the heavy lifting to make sure you get your Mondays started on the right track. Welcome to The Monday List. Each Monday, we’ll link you up with some of the most insightful, informative, and socially-relevant stories to keep tabbed, bookmarked, reading listed, pocketed, or what have you. Be sure to check in each Monday morning for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight from the source of your favorite…

When it comes to starting a side project (or a “project” project), ironing out early ideas and evaluating them ahead of time – rather than just jumping in – can mean the difference between a hugely successful venture or a massive major headache further down the road. Unfortunately, moving productively through this brainstorming process and staying inspired isn’t always as simple as it seems. Aiming to help guide makers and design entrepreneurs through the idea hatching process, the Hatch Notebook is a new design tool that helps take ideas from concept to reality with a structured brainstorming system. “We came up with this idea about a year ago and started using…

Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader. The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top ten stories on SolidSmack this past week. Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too. HP Unveils the World’s First Production-Ready 3D Printing System with Multi Jet Fusion Technology “Back when we caught our first glimpse of the 3D prints made using Multi Jet Fusion Technology…

When it’s time to get some new spoons, the first place you turn is Ikea or Amazon, if you don’t feel like leaving the house. But some prefer to make their own spoons, the old fashioned way. Giles Newman is one of those people. But once you see Newman’s hand crafted spoons you won’t want to use them. Rather you’ll want to display them as unique works of art.